steelhammermolly

The cinematography and music is as architectural as Columbus, Ohio. Every image is focused on and framed by the architecture present. This beautifully emphasizes the thing that brings the two leads together. While it isn't necessarily a shared interest, architecture becomes a means to discuss what ails their lives. They come to compliment each other, in their differences. They are both very real, honest, open characters. The dialog asks the big questions: Is work more important than family? Is family more important than going after your dreams? The characters play with these ideas and confide in each other's different experiences.

This movie is written, directed, and shot in the most architecturally stunning way. The performances are natural and honest. All around this is a must see. I cannot recommend it enough.

Robert Pattinson is pure perfection like you've never seen him before. Connie (Pattinson) is so hard to watch as he makes wrong decision after wrong decision. His demeanor and how he uses others makes you sick. He is an awful human being. But, he loves his special needs brother Nick (Safdie), to the end of their world. All of Connie's terrible decisions and horrific predicaments are in the pursuit of making his brother's dreams come true. Connie thinks he's doing what is best for Nick, but is completely deaf to other (professional) opinions. The whole movie focusing on such terrible situations made me want to walk out of the theater, but boy am I glad I didn't.

The end is pure symphonious revelation. The conclusion is satisfyingly melancholy. About an hour 20 into this movie, I don't think I would've written the recommendation I'm about to write. This is an absolute must see. Everyone needs to explore such a truly human concept: He's doing all the wrong things, for the right reason. This film calls out your instincts in judging Connie by his hate-ability, when we all could essentially be him when backed into a corner. This film shows the darkest side of doing anything for the ones you love but also toys with the idea of redemption through sacrifice. If you want to be existentially shaken, this film is a bulls-eye. I could go on, but to keep this brief, anyone who likes to think on and explore their emotional biases absolutely needs to experience this story.

The beginning of the movie creates the slapstick comedy feel I had expected from the trailers. Channing Tatum is absolutely perfect for his role as the loving oaf, but Adam Driver steals most of the greatest scenes. The characters in essence are far funnier than most jokes in the film. I initially thought Joe Bang (Daniel Craig) was predictable, but the writing for this character and his brothers is pure gold. The movie isn't full of huge laughs, but I was smiling the whole way through.

Beyond the comedic emphasis, there is the unexpected genius that is the heist. Just when you think this is another Steve Martin's Pink Panther with better jokes, The action begins. The twists and turns, make for an epic roller coaster that you never see coming. The heavy comedic emphasis in the advertising and the beginning of the movie play with your expectations so you don't expect the uniquely, intelligent plot line to come.

All in all, see this movie if you like great, stupid-funny writing and near perfect line delivery, wrapped in a fun twist of complexity (or if you just love Adam Driver). Certainly not for everyone, as it gets slow in parts, but its well worth the wait through character development to get to the wild, heart-warming heist.